wydeangle
Forum username: wydeangle
Real name: Tom
Posts: 290
Active years: 2008–2024
Primary forums: Video Gear and Technique, Photography Gear and Technique
Specialization: Underwater video, Canon camcorders and mirrorless systems, Ikelite and Nauticam housings
Community Role
Wydeangle (Tom) was one of Wetpixel’s most dedicated underwater videographers, contributing consistently across an exceptional sixteen-year span from 2008 to 2024. Based in Florida, Tom was notable for his focus on underwater video at a time when most Wetpixel discussions centered on stills photography. His forum name — a deliberate misspelling of “wide angle” — reflected his preference for wide-angle underwater work.
Tom documented his equipment evolution over nearly two decades, progressing from Canon camcorder-based systems through to mirrorless camera setups, and he shared his experiences in thorough, ongoing threads that served as real-world user journals for fellow videographers.
Notable Contributions
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Canon R50/Nauticam NA-R50 video setup journal: Tom’s most substantial thread (54 replies, 2023) documented his transition from a heavy Sony AX700/Gates rig (over 30 pounds with external monitor) to a lightweight Canon R50 in a Nauticam NA-R50 housing weighing under 9 pounds above water. He provided detailed equipment lists including the Nauticam vacuum valve, LCD magnifier, ReefNet Subsee +10 diopter, and OrcaTorch D910V light. The thread followed his real-world testing process from Florida pool tests to Bonaire diving ([1]).
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HV30/Ikelite/Raynox vignetting investigation: In May 2008, Tom started a detailed technical thread investigating vignetting issues with the Raynox 5050-PRO wide-angle lens on his Canon HV30 in an Ikelite housing. Through systematic experimentation at Ikelite’s request, he determined the vignetting occurred without the housing or port, implicating the 43mm-to-37mm step-down ring. The 42-reply thread became a collaborative troubleshooting resource ([2]).
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Sealux and Panasonic video housings: Tom explored the Sealux housing for the Panasonic HS700 camcorder (18 replies), sharing real-world experiences with European-made video housings that were less commonly discussed on the predominantly stills-focused forum.
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Canon XA10/HF-G10 discussions: He participated actively in discussions about Canon’s professional camcorder line for underwater use (19 replies).
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Lighting for video: Tom contributed to threads about video lights including the Light and Motion Sola 4000 and red filter options for ambient light video work.
Equipment Evolution
- 2008: Canon HV30 in Ikelite housing with Raynox wide-angle lens
- 2010–2011: Sealux housing for Panasonic camcorder; Canon XA10
- 2013–2022: Sony AX700 in Gates housing with external monitor (30+ lb system)
- 2023–2024: Canon R50 in Nauticam NA-R50 housing with Subsee diopters and OrcaTorch light (<9 lb system)
Activity Profile
- First post: May 23, 2008
- Peak years: 2008–2012, 2023
- Threads started: 42
- Last appearance: January 2024
- Forum focus: Predominantly underwater video gear and technique, with emphasis on compact and lightweight systems